Marijuana is the most common illegal drug used by youth. Smoking marijuana impairs judgment, thinking, memory, and the ability to fight off infections (including cancer). What’s more, Marijuana is very addictive!

Marijuana comes from the leaves, stems, seeds, and/or flowers of the hemp plant. The active chemical in marijuana is called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol); however, marijuana also contains more than 400 other chemicals. The effects of marijuana depends on it’s strength or potency, which is related to the amount of THC it contains. The THC content of marijuana has been increasing since the 1970s; from ~3% THC in the 1970s to 33% THC in today’s samples.

Prescription medications are becoming the second most common drug of choice among teenagers. Many teens believe that because prescription medications are legal that they are safer and non-addictive.

When used as directed, prescription drugs, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, and sedatives, are very beneficial. However, when people use prescription drugs to get high, this becomes a problem. Often times, people who do not use prescription drugs as directed become addicted to the drug. For more information on prescription drugs and how to prevent use/abuse, click here. (Getting High on Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs Is Dangerous)

Facts About Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, ice, speed) is a highly addictive, easy to make, central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally. Meth users feel a short yet intense "rush" when they first take the drug. The immediate effects of meth include increased activity and decreased appetite.

Since meth is so addictive it causes many problems for its users, their families, and their communities. Meth damages the brain, heart, mouth (rotten teeth), liver, and more. Many children of meth addicts end up in foster care because the parents are unable to care for them. Communities suffer from crime inflicted by meth users, including burglaries, robberies, and ID theft.